Wednesday, May 28, 2014

For Brits, original Mini is best car ever

The Mini may not have the power of a McLaren or the stylishness of a Bentley, but it has enough charm and class to capture the hearts and minds of most Brits.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140318/CARNEWS/140319803 
Image Source: autoweek.com

A poll from Autocar magazine has declared the original Mini as the best British car of all time, beating the likes of the McLaren F1, the Jaguar E-Type and the original Range Rover.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_%28marque%29 
Image Source: wikipedia.org

“It comes as little surprise that the original Mini has topped the list of all-time British greats, it's such an iconic vehicle and represents so much more than the British car industry,” said Chas Hallett, Autocar’s brand editor. “The Mini is associated with Great Britain around the world and, in many ways, it was ahead of its time.”


Designed by Sir Alec Iddigonis and developed by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), the original Mini was launched in 1959, then known as the Austin Seven. In 1961, it was renamed the Austin Mini and, eight years later, became a marque of its own. Noted for its compact yet space-saving features, the design of the original Mini evolved to include convertibles, coupe, roadster, and pick-up types. 5.4 million Minis were sold in the span of 41 years, the best-selling car for BMC.

Arnaud Massartic is an avid car enthusiast specializing in exotic cars. Find out more about his ventures and interests here.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Money-saving tips for exotic car buyers

Image Source: www.naccarautoinsurance.com

A rare, exotic car can be a rewarding piece of investment, but like any large acquisition, it comes with its own share of risks and expenses. For exotic car enthusiasts like Arnaud Massartic, an impressive ride need not be too expensive. Here are a few tips to consider when shopping for an exotic car:

Do some internet shopping. The internet is a haven for car enthusiasts looking for that rare gem of a ride. Taking time to browse car selling sites and online classifieds can increase the chances of baiting a desired model within one’s price range.

Image Source: www.examiner.com

Check online pricing guides. One can get a car’s average pricing through online pricing guides, like Edmunds.com. The pricing data provided in these sites can play a big part in the decision-making process later on.

Consider pre-owned. The quality and performance of some pre-owned cars are almost indistinguishable from brand-new ones, at a fraction of the price.

Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk


Consider online auctions. Online auctions can be excellent hotspots for pre-owned or brand-new exotic cars. In case one wins a bid and it meets the minimum bid requirements of the seller, the amount saved can reach thousands of dollars.

Dare to compare. Comparing prices of similar models can be quite helpful in the negotiating table, especially if one’s target vehicle is being priced too high by the seller.

Luxury and exotic rides are Arnaud Massartic’s great passion. Read more about Massartic and his love for cars by following this Facebook page.